I've got five or six Bourbons in my collection, and all Ryed ones. I'd like to have a wheated one or two. Of course, I've tried Maker's Mark but I'd like to know if there is something better out there worth a shot. I'm in AZ, and unfortunately, the coices are limited. Here's what's avilable. (Yes, I've looked!:grin: )

Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year
It's the onlly Pappy available in AZ:hot: . Kinda pricey for an experiment, want to make sure it's worth it if I were to choose this...investment.

Centennial, definitely, since that's going away. Otherwise, it depends what you tend to like re age and proof. The Antique is just the Reserve at a higher proof. If you like the Centennial and the Antique, then you might be ready to meet Pappy.

ggilbertva

04-08-2008, 20:09

If you like the robust nature of a rye whiskey, then you will certainly like Pappy 15. As Chuck said, grab some Weller Centennial since that's turning into a dusty find.

Tennessee Dave

04-08-2008, 20:10

I am voting for Old Weller Antique. Great expression at a good price.:cool:

DoubleT

04-09-2008, 06:38

I've only had the Weller Special Reserve and Maker's Mark and they are both very good. Of the two, however, I prefer Maker's Mark. In the end though it's like anything else, it's all a matter of personal taste.

BourbonJoe

04-09-2008, 11:21

I am voting for Old Weller Antique. Great expression at a good price.:cool:

I'm with you Dave. Love the stuff.
Joe :usflag:

Dr. François

04-09-2008, 11:57

For an introduction to wheaters, I would say the Weller Special Reserve. I really like it as a daily pour. I find the quality better than Maker's Mark, and the SR is a little softer and more approachable than the Antique 107, in my opinion.

I also like the Centennial, but the price point is quite different.

jburlowski

04-09-2008, 15:29

Buy all the Centennial you can find... if you don't like it (which I doubt), you can send it to me.:lol:

Knutzen

04-09-2008, 17:24

I've pretty much only tried rye bourbons, except for some Weller SR, which I found to be unpleasantly simple. Are the other Wellers/wheaters a little heavier in flavor?

Dr. François

04-09-2008, 17:40

I've pretty much only tried rye bourbons, except for some Weller SR, which I found to be unpleasantly simple. Are the other Wellers/wheaters a little heavier in flavor?

Yes, all of the Wellers are heavier and fuller than the SR.

whiskeyme

04-09-2008, 19:46

What is different about (and worth $35) about the Centennial? Yes, I know it's going away, but is it worth the price?

whiskeyme

04-10-2008, 19:45

Ahemm...Anybody?

OscarV

04-11-2008, 00:39

Ahemm...Anybody?

Here's my 2 cents worth.
You asked what's different about Centennial.
Different from what?
There were 5 Weller labels and of these the Centennial is my favorite or should I say was since it is now gone.
Weller is a wheater and what all wheaters should be aiming for, the taste is layered with vanilla, carmel and fruit.
Let me quote a scholarly Brother of mine from the Michigan Bourbon Hounds, an informal but none the less serious group, after tasting some Weller Centennial bottled for Julio's Liquors, the good Dr. said "This is everything a bourbon should be."
He was quickly seconded by the representive from the 313.
It's dropping by Buffalo Trace has only been a few months but already it is gaining a ledgendary status.

gblick

04-11-2008, 11:47

The Weller Centennial is very good but I've never seen a bottle for under $30, while I've never paid more than $19 for (750ml of) the Weller Antique. And I'm not convinced that the Centennial is really better than the Antique (certainly not at those price differences IMHO). But maybe my opinion is also swayed by the fact that I've been drinking a lot of Stitzel-Weller Antique.

I think you'd do good to get both and compare them for yourself.

OscarV

04-11-2008, 11:54

I think you'd do good to get both and compare them for yourself.

Absolutely, that's a no-loser.

I like the Antique a lot, along with the whole Weller line.
When I tried the Antique I was drinking a lot of the PVW 10yo 107 and compared to that I thought the Weller Antique was a little hot.

Of the 9 new bottles that I bought a month ago, the Weller 12 from Binny's was one of two re-buys that I made recently. I find it to be very smooth (almost creamy) on the palate and it is definitely my favorite pour.

I've got some Antique and SR on the way from different places, so I have not had a chance to compare the three side by side (by side).

whiskeyme

04-12-2008, 15:17

WEll, I stopped by the BevMo, and they had three bottles left of W.L. Weller Centennial, so I picked one up. Thanks for the advice and info, everyone.